Things are really looking up for the former four-star prospect.
Alabama safety Eddie Jackson represents the Crimson Tide as one of 40 candidates named to the 2016 preseason Walter Camp Award watch list—honor given to the nation’s best player of the year.
Jackson, a senior, had a breakout year in 2015. He led the team in interceptions (six), while finishing with 230 return yards and two touchdowns. His 46 tackles were good for fifth-best on the team, and he was credited with three tackles for loss, two pass breakups and a forced fumble in 15 games.
All six of Jackson’s picks came against quality opponents, including a crucial interception off Clemson’s quarterback Deshaun Watson in the College Football Playoff national title game.
He has a chance to join former Crimson Tide star Derrick Henry (2015) as the second Alabama player to win the Walter Camp Award. Jackson is one of eight Tide players named to multiple preseason award watch lists, leading the team with four nominations.
Eddie Jackson’s preseason award watch outlook
Chuck Bednarik, nation’s top defensive player (Maxwell Football Club)
Bronko Nagurski, college football’s best defensive player (FWAA)
Jim Thorpe, nation’s top defensive back (Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame)
Walter Camp, nation’s best player of the year (Walter Camp Foundation)
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
